Ҹ

Skip Navigation
Request Info
Request Info
Skip to Menu Toggle Button

Encryption Guide for Storage Devices, USBs

How To: Encryption Guide for Storage Devices, USBs

With a focus on increasing security of our data and systems, we now require that all external storage devices that plug into your computer be encrypted. Usually, this will be a USB, also called a thumb drive, or a storage device like an external storage drive. 

IMPORTANT

  • Once you insert a storage device drive into your computer, you will be prompted to encrypt the storage device. Without encryption, you will only be able to read data off the storage device, not transfer data to your computer.
  • If you encrypt the storage device, you will choose a password that you must save/remember for all future uses of the storage device.
  • Note: to protect end user confidentiality, Ҹ does not have access to your password; it is your responsibility to retain the storage device password for all future use
 

Step 1:

Upon inserting the storage device, you will be presented with 2 options.

If you do not encrypt the storage device, it will be read only. You will have the ability to open the device and view files, but will not have the ability to save files from the storage device to your computer. This is the end of the process.

If  you choose to encrypt the storage device, go to Step 2.

Step 2:

Choosing “Encrypt this device using Bitlocker drive Encryption,” kicks off the encryption process. You will need to set a password/recovery key that you retain for the life of the storage device.

In the future, this password will be needed each time the device is plugged into any device including non-Ҹ computers.

Step 3:

Choose how to unlock the storage device; click on “Use a password to unlock the drive.”

To protect end user confidentiality, Ҹ does not have access to these passwords. After the password is set, it is up to you to save the password/recovery key. 

You need to retain the password to your storage device for all future use. It is recommended that you use a password keeper, as the storage device cannot be unlocked without your personal password.

Step 4:

Select the first option for Choose how much of your drive to encrypt: “Encrypt used disk space only (faster and best for New PCs and drives).”

The drive will start the encryption process and you will see a status bar until the process is complete.

Although you will be presented with the option of saving the password/recovery key, please note that UMGC will not have access to these recovery keys in case the password is lost or forgotten. It is your responsibility to save this recovery key for future use.

Step 5:

Once the encryption is complete, you will need to answer, “How do you want to back up your recovery key?”

  • “Save to a file” option will save the password/recovery key locally on your computer
  • ”Print the recovery key” is the best option if you are using a shared machine; retain the recovery key/password for future uses of the storage device

Contact Us

Our helpful admissions advisors can help you choose an academic program to fit your career goals, estimate your transfer credits, and develop a plan for your education costs that fits your budget. If you’re a current Ҹ student, please visit the Help Center.

Personal Information
Contact Information
Additional Information
This field is required.
This field is required.
 

By submitting this form, you acknowledge that you intend to sign this form electronically and that your electronic signature is the equivalent of a handwritten signature, with all the same legal and binding effect. You are giving your express written consent without obligation for Ҹ to contact you regarding our educational programs and services using e-mail, phone, or text, including automated technology for calls and/or texts to the mobile number(s) provided. For more details, including how to opt out, read our privacy policy or contact an admissions advisor.

Please wait, your form is being submitted.

By using our website you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more about how we use cookies by reading our Privacy Policy.